A Parish of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
Holy Mass
Weekdays Tuesday - Friday 09.30
Saturday Vigil Mass 18.00, Sunday 09.00 & 11.00
Reconciliation available Saturday 17.00-17.30
Please check our weekly newsletter for any changes to the schedule
Lent 2026
Way of the Cross at 12.30 20, 27 March followed by Soup Lunch in the Parish Centre at 13.00
Evening Prayer & Benediction Sunday 22 & 29 March at 15.30
Children's Lenten Reconciliation Service at 11.00 Saturday 21 March
Adults Reconciliation Service at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Effingham at 19.30 Friday 27 March
Easter Triduum
Holy Thursday 2 April - Mass of the Lord's Supper 20.30
Good Friday 3 April Children's Way of the Cross 10.00
Good Friday 3 April The Celebration of the Lord's Passion 15.00
Holy Saturday 4 April The Easter Vigil 20.30
Easter Sunday 5 April Holy Mass 09.00 & 11.00
The first reading from Ezekiel is perfectly paired with the Gospel reading of the raising of Lazarus. Ezekiel hears God say very clearly that God will raise his people from the dead, animating them with the spirit that will bring them back to life. The second reading from St. Paul also addresses the Jewish and Christian theological question, “Is death the end of every thing?” Paul is as emphatic as Ezekiel. No. “The One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also.” Of course, it might seem easy to believe in life after death until we have had a loved one die. Martha and Mary might have believed in an afterlife because, as Jews, they would have been familiar with the promise from Ezekiel. Yet when their brother died and the reality of him being gone for four days sank in, they doubted too. Not only did they doubt, but they grieved deeply, and even got angry at Jesus. Martha told Jesus she believes Lazarus “will rise, in the resurrection on the last day,” but believing that didn’t lessen her other perfectly normal human emotions. Even after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, mysteries remain. Why didn’t Jesus go to Lazarus immediately when the sisters summoned him? Why did he let them experience heart-breaking sadness for four days? Why did Jesus cry if he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead? Why did Jesus raise Lazarus but not others who died during his lifetime? Why do some people today get to experience healing miracles, but others don’t? Why do we have to wait for the resurrection of the dead to see our loved ones again? These readings today don’t solve any mysteries of our faith. They don’t give us answers about God, but they point to the complete conviction of three different biblical writers who do not doubt that Jesus is “the resurrection and the life.” Questions of the week What most stands out to you when you hear the Gospel reading today? Why? If you have lost a loved one(s), did that affect on what you believe about the afterlife? How so?
Wednesday 1st April, 18.00, Arundel Cathedral, BN18 9AY. People from across our diocesan family of faith are invited to join Bishop Gerard Bradley and members of clergy at the annual Chrism Mass – one of the most beautiful Masses of the year, celebrated in Catholic cathedrals across the world in Holy Week. All are welcome.
The latest Deanery Newsletter is now available in the narthex and on our Parish Website. Wondering what happened to all those postcards from last Advent? The results are in! If you'd like some food for thought on Mission - this is it! What's going on around the Deanery during Holy Week and Easter? Find out in the Deanery Newsletter, come along, and you’ll be made very welcome.
The musings of one of God’s smallest creatures on events in and around the Parish over the past seven days . . . . Very busy around The Presbytery as things begin to ‘hot up’ for the great Easter Feast . . . . . . Last Saturday morning our singers and musicians were once more practicing for some of our Holy Week liturgies. On Sunday afternoon parishioners once more had the opportunity to celebrate Lenten Evening Prayer & Benediction - taking the chance to jump off the normal merry-go-round of life to spend a short period of time with the Lord. After celebrating Morning Prayer, Mass, and Exposition on St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday), Fr D was off down to the diocesan offices to wear his ‘other hat’ in the Tribunal. Whilst there he received an email from the lighting engineers asking for a little more input as to the various lighting circuits in the church and how they would be used to construct various ‘themes’ to be used at our different types of service. Fr D left working on this until the evening as he was working on his judgment for one of his marriage cases. Following Morning Prayer and Mass on Wednesday Fr D sent off his answers to the lighting engineers and very quickly got a reply that the schema was just what they wanted (but could still be adjusted on site if necessary at any point in time). Fr D met for his regular monthly lunch with Fr Ruslan (Walton-on-Thames) - the waiter had to keep coming back to try and take their order as they were talking so animatedly! In the early evening Fr D was meeting with our Confirmation candidates to look at Holy Week and all the different from normal things that happen during it. The candidates ‘signed-up’ for various jobs at the Holy Thursday Mass and also told Fr D a little bit about the saints they had chosen for their confirmation name. Finally Fr D was able to announce that, because we are minus a bishop at present, the confirmation Mass will now take place here in the Sacred Heart at the 18.00 Mass on Saturday 9th May, and that in the bishop’s absence he had been given faculties to celebrate their confirmation. After the meeting Fr D opened up the church for our singers and musicians to continue with their practices for some of our Holy Week Liturgies. After Morning Prayer and Mass on Thursday Fr D began his parts of the newsletter before travelling down to Sussex for a meeting of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust which he is a member of . . . . . .
Welcome to the Parish of the Sacred Heart
The Parish of the Sacred Heart is an active Roman Catholic community within the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton for those living in the environs of Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott. Comprised of people from all walks of life, from different age groups and diverse cultures the Parish is an active community offering spiritual and pastoral support in the Catholic tradition. If you are thinking about coming to live in the area or are already in residence you are very welcome to join our community you can be assured of a welcome, being offered a wide range of spiritual and educational support. We also run a thriving Sunday school providing Religious Education for children from four to fourteen years of age and provides preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
LIVESTREAM STATUS: Normal - please check newsletter for Mass times
Quote of the week
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives
fully is
prepared to die at any time - Author unknown
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EASTER COLLECTION FOR THE SUPPORT OF PARISH CLERGY - This provides income to the Parish for the support of clergy and may be Gift Aided. Any cheques should be made payable to the ‘Sacred Heart Parish, Cobham’ (any cheques made out personally to a member of clergy are direct gifts and cannot be received into Parish funds or Gift Aided). You will find a supply of Gift Aid Envelopes for this collection in the Church Narthex
The musings of one of God’s smallest creatures on events in and around the Parish over the past seven days . . . . Very busy around The Presbytery as things begin to ‘hot up’ for the great Easter Feast . . . . . . Last Saturday morning our singers and musicians were once more practicing for some of our Holy Week liturgies. On Sunday afternoon parishioners once more had the opportunity to celebrate Lenten Evening Prayer & Benediction - taking the chance to jump off the normal merry-go-round of life to spend a short period of time with the Lord. After celebrating Morning Prayer, Mass, and Exposition on St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday), Fr D was off down to the diocesan offices to wear his ‘other hat’ in the Tribunal. Whilst there he received an email from the lighting engineers asking for a little more input as to the various lighting circuits in the church and how they would be used to construct various ‘themes’ to be used at our different types of service. Fr D left working on this until the evening as he was working on his judgment for one of his marriage cases. Following Morning Prayer and Mass on Wednesday Fr D sent off his answers to the lighting engineers and very quickly got a reply that the schema was just what they wanted (but could still be adjusted on site if necessary at any point in time). Fr D met for his regular monthly lunch with Fr Ruslan (Walton-on-Thames) - the waiter had to keep coming back to try and take their order as they were talking so animatedly! In the early evening Fr D was meeting with our Confirmation candidates to look at Holy Week and all the different from normal things that happen during it. The candidates ‘signed-up’ for various jobs at the Holy Thursday Mass and also told Fr D a little bit about the saints they had chosen for their confirmation name. Finally Fr D was able to announce that, because we are minus a bishop at present, the confirmation Mass will now take place here in the Sacred Heart at the 18.00 Mass on Saturday 9th May, and that in the bishop’s absence he had been given faculties to celebrate their confirmation. After the meeting Fr D opened up the church for our singers and musicians to continue with their practices for some of our Holy Week Liturgies. After Morning Prayer and Mass on Thursday Fr D began his parts of the newsletter before travelling down to Sussex for a meeting of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust which he is a member of . . . . . .
The musings of one of God’s smallest creatures on events in and around the Parish over the past seven days . . . . If you have ever found yourself deep in the heart of Lent, wondering how much further the journey goes, the Church, in her wisdom, knew we would need a glimpse of the joy waiting for us on the other side. Tucked into both Advent and Lent are little gems known as Refreshment Sundays, days when the penitential tone eases, and we are given a brief, welcome reprieve. The two Refreshment Sundays are Gaudete Sunday, falling in the middle of Advent, and Laetare Sunday, falling in the middle of Lent. Refreshment Sundays offer a pause in the austerity of their respective seasons, a moment of respite from the spiritual disciplines we have taken on. They shift the sombre mood toward more joyful anticipation. This pause is not a complete break from the season’s focus but rather a beautiful reminder that our preparation and penance have a purpose: they lead us toward the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas and His Resurrection at Easter. Falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, approximately halfway through this penitential season, Laetare Sunday offers a pause. Easter is almost here! It is an apex, a turning point, a glimmer of hope, and a lightening of the sombre mood. It heightens our sense of anticipation and reminds us of the joy the Lord brings into our lives, even in seasons of waiting and preparation. Laetare Sunday speaks to the beautiful duality of the Christian journey: the balance of repentance with forgiveness, weeping with laughter, suffering with joy. Even as we prepare, reflect, and repent, we do so with the joyful anticipation of the great mystery of our faith, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Laetare Sunday takes its name from Isaiah 66:10, the opening antiphon for the day: “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.” Laetare means “rejoice,” and not a quiet, understated rejoice. Laetare is an imperative, an enthusiastic exhortation, almost a command: Rejoice! Right in the middle of Lent, we as a people are urged to rejoice! This powerful scripture sets the tone for the entire day and serves as a beautiful reminder that even in times of repentance and self-denial, there is hope. Laetare Sunday stands as a beacon of light, guiding us through our spiritual journey with the promise of joy and renewal. It invites us to pause, reflect on how far we have come, and find the strength to renew our spiritual disciplines as we press on toward Easter.
The musings of one of God’s smallest creatures on events in and around the Parish over the past seven days . . . . Once again quite a busy week around The Presbytery this week . . . . . On Saturday morning Fr D was with this year’s First Eucharist candidates as they discussed the Offertory/Presentation of the Gifts section of the Mass. The candidates looked at what it meant to be offering ourselves to God as well as the bread, wine, and collection! After our Sunday morning Masses Fr D was taken out to lunch by a parishioner from one of his former parishes. In the afternoon he celebrated Lenten Evening Prayer and Benediction with several parishioners, part of our ‘Lenten Devotions.’ On Monday morning Fr D was preparing for what he knew was likely to be a difficult interview at the Tribunal on Tuesday. After Morning Prayer, Mass, and Exposition on Tuesday Fr D went off to the diocesan offices at Crawley where he was due to meet with someone to hear their side of a marriage that ended in divorce. Although they had confirmed with the Tribunal Secretary on Monday they didn’t turn up (not that this was really surprising to Fr D). It did mean that he could work on one of his other cases that are coming up to the judgement phase. On Wednesday following Morning Prayer and Mass, Fr D started to make a list of jobs/projects that need to be thought about concerning our Parish buildings; afterwards he began working out the components of the works and trying to put them into a list of priorities. Top of the list was the lighting in the church which he is already getting professional lighting experts to look at and quote for. The list, however, is quite long! After Morning Prayer and Mass on Thursday, Fr D started work on his parts of the newsletter, knowing that he would not have a lot of time at the end of the week. In the afternoon he was in Burgess Hill for a meeting of the Trustees of the BOSCO Catholic Education Trust. The government have brought out a ‘White Paper’ on education which is likely to have several effects on schools within the Trust (when he got back in the evening he was ‘brain-dead’ from all the discussions!). On Friday, after Morning Prayer and Mass, Fr D quickly programmed the music into the system for the 18.00 and 09.00 Masses, and the Lenten Evening Prayer and Benediction service, before completing his work on the newsletter . . . . .
Parish Priest Notices
Important items highlighted by Fr. Daryl. These will contain news elements & important requests
Our singers and musicians are busy in their rehearsals for leading our liturgies during Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, & Good Friday). Any and all parishioners are more than welcome to come along and join in, no previous experience necessary. If you enjoy singing as part of a group this could be for you! Dates of the remaining rehearsals: Sat. 28 Mar. (10.30); and Wed. 1 Apr. (19.30).
Please note all lenten events at Sacred Heart
The first reading from Ezekiel is perfectly paired with the Gospel reading of the raising of Lazarus. Ezekiel hears God say very clearly that God will raise his people from the dead, animating them with the spirit that will bring them back to life. The second reading from St. Paul also addresses the Jewish and Christian theological question, “Is death the end of every thing?” Paul is as emphatic as Ezekiel. No. “The One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also.” Of course, it might seem easy to believe in life after death until we have had a loved one die. Martha and Mary might have believed in an afterlife because, as Jews, they would have been familiar with the promise from Ezekiel. Yet when their brother died and the reality of him being gone for four days sank in, they doubted too. Not only did they doubt, but they grieved deeply, and even got angry at Jesus. Martha told Jesus she believes Lazarus “will rise, in the resurrection on the last day,” but believing that didn’t lessen her other perfectly normal human emotions. Even after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, mysteries remain. Why didn’t Jesus go to Lazarus immediately when the sisters summoned him? Why did he let them experience heart-breaking sadness for four days? Why did Jesus cry if he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead? Why did Jesus raise Lazarus but not others who died during his lifetime? Why do some people today get to experience healing miracles, but others don’t? Why do we have to wait for the resurrection of the dead to see our loved ones again? These readings today don’t solve any mysteries of our faith. They don’t give us answers about God, but they point to the complete conviction of three different biblical writers who do not doubt that Jesus is “the resurrection and the life.” Questions of the week What most stands out to you when you hear the Gospel reading today? Why? If you have lost a loved one(s), did that affect on what you believe about the afterlife? How so?
The latest Deanery Newsletter is now available in the narthex and on our Parish Website. Wondering what happened to all those postcards from last Advent? The results are in! If you'd like some food for thought on Mission - this is it! What's going on around the Deanery during Holy Week and Easter? Find out in the Deanery Newsletter, come along, and you’ll be made very welcome.
As we move into this Lenten season of penitence, the readings for this first Sunday revolve around the themes of temptation and sin. The first reading recounts the story of the “Fall” of the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden. The second reading reflects back on that story. The Gospel reading, on the other hand, gives a glimpse of how we might be tempted yet remain faithful to God as Jesus was. It is as if Jesus’ obedience brings the first story full circle, giving us hope that we aren’t all doomed to give in to temptations to do what is wrong. Between the first reading from Genesis when Adam and Eve eat the fruit they aren’t supposed to eat, and the Gospel reading of Jesus resisting extreme temptations in his hunger and exhaustion, we are given two examples of how to deal with our own temptations. Adam and Eve were seemingly set up for an easy, blissful life with all they needed and more at their disposal. Yet the slightest suggestion from the serpent that they shouldn’t be limited in what they had or in their power and knowledge was all it took for them to decide they knew better than God. How often we give in so easily when presented with options for more things even though we already have enough! On the other hand, Jesus was in extreme physical need when he resisted the devil’s temptations to feed himself and claim power. He had more reasons to give in, and most of us would be understanding if he did. But rather than grasp at physical comfort, reassur ance, and strength, he chose to remain vulnerable and humble, even frail. When God became human in Jesus, he chose to be fully human and endure human limitations, from his 40 days in the desert all the way through to his agonizing death. What is the lesson here then? Perhaps it is about not grasping for more things, more power, or more security, but trusting we will be cared for, even in our vulnerabilities and need. Jesus accepted and lived with his human limitations. Certainly, it’s uncomfortable and oftentimes outright painful to have physical, emotional, and intellectual limits as we live out our lives in imperfect bodies in an imperfect world. God isn’t a masochist who wants us to be in pain and need, any more than God wanted that for Jesus, but Jesus shows us there is dignity in being limited, and there is strength in needing God. Questions of the week In what areas of your life are you most vulnerable to being tempted into choosing something that is not good for you? How might you call upon the support of God and others to resist temptations this Lent?
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OUR DIAMOND JUBILEE - VIEW THE GALLERY
PRAY FOR OUR BISHOP RICHARD MOTH
As a Parish we encourage our community to pray for our shepherd, Bishop Richard as he leads our Diocese.
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DO NOT FORGET ! Our annual ‘Lenten Reconciliation Service for Adults’ takes place THIS FRIDAY 27th March at 19.30 in the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Effingham, KT24 5JP. We join with the Parish of Effingham & Fetcham in celebrating the Lord’s forgiveness ready for the great festival of Easter. We will be joined by four priests to aid us in this celebration. This is the major opportunity this Lent to ask for God’s forgiveness.
Wednesday 1st April, 18.00, Arundel Cathedral, BN18 9AY. People from across our diocesan family of faith are invited to join Bishop Gerard Bradley and members of clergy at the annual Chrism Mass – one of the most beautiful Masses of the year, celebrated in Catholic cathedrals across the world in Holy Week. All are welcome.
Bishop Richard - A talk on Mary leading us to Her Son
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Vocations
Are you feeling increasingly compelled to spend time with Jesus? Do you find that your time is spent seeking him and all things connected with him?
